“I didn’t know how to play what they were playing.”
“It’s okay.”
“I’m not like them. They make fun of my videos.” His breath hitches from his crying stint, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything so painful in my life. Seeing the sign, I pull into Sonic and park at the drive-in before pulling Dante out of his seat to join me up front. He looks so small, so upset, that I have to look away to keep him from seeing the emotion in my face. They hurt my kid, and I want to go back and level that fucking house.
“Does Mommy tell you to ignore them when they call you names?”
“Yes.”
I can feel the cracks starting to separate me in half, terrified of his next answer. “Do they hit you?”
“No. They wouldn’t let me play after I tried to show them how to dance.”
“It’s okay. You know that, right?” I ruffle his hair. “You were just being nice.”
Dante nods. “Why are we at Sonic?”
“Slushy, then home.”
“Okay.” He’s tired, and I can tell, but I refuse to let this wait any longer.
Once we’ve ordered I turn to him. “Do you like adults more than kids? Is this why you didn’t invite anyone from class to your birthday party?
Dante’s lip quivers. “Uh huh.”
“Is that why you like Michigan J. Frog so much? Because you’re just like him?”
Another nod. I wrack my brain, trying to figure out a way to make my mistake up to him when I see my packed duffle in the back seat.
“What do you think about hanging with me this weekend. Just us?”
Angela’s Stuffed Bell Peppers
Lawyer, Ohio
Makes 6 servings
1 hour
6 Large Bell Peppers
2 Lbs. Hamburger Meat
1 Onion – Chopped
1 Tsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Pepper
1 Can Stewed Tomatoes
1 8 Oz. Can Tomato Sauce
1 Cup Uncooked Rice
1 Cup Water
8 Oz. Grated Cheese